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After winning the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role (The Blind Side) Sunday night at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards ceremony Sandra Bullock was quoted back stage stating ““I just want a burger and I just want some food. I want to sit down, take the shoes off. I want to eat and not sweat it and not worry the dress will bust open. I just want to relax and… I’d like a nap, too.” Pretty sexy cheesy words coming from the romantic comedy star who wore a perfectly fitted Marchesa gown. The only question I have is: how did the Oscar winner celebrate her Razzie award for Worst Actress the night before? Hopefully cheeseburger is still the answer.

thedeathkid Cheeseburger, Texas 82nd Annual Academy Awards, burger, Oscars 2010, Razzie, Sandra Bullock, The Blindside

As these beautiful weekends keep rolling around Central Texas, I continue searching for the perfect burger place for you to enjoy these days great days at. This weekend, Babe’s Old Fashioned Food is up for debate. Located on Fredricksburg just inside the loop and across from Crossroad’s mall stands a little burger and sports place. Serving San Antonians since 1987 at this location, this establishment definitely has its roots planted in making you salivate. While entering the line you’ll be tempted by cooler with an assortment of ice creams available. Once you realize that those same ice creams are the main ingredient in a shake, well, good luck resisting a shake is all.

Now Babe’s does have quite a menu with burgers, wings, and even pizza. Also, just by mentioning the place i get many a response in the line of “great fried pickles,” ” beer specials are pretty good there,” and “ah, the onion rings are great, ya gotta git em.” So it was definitely a contender for burger bliss.

I ordered the Guacamole Cheeseburger and the guac was pretty delicious. What wasn’t delicious was all that lettuce. I mean there was a lot that i had to shovel out. Once that matter was settled though, I must say this burger was pretty darn good. The bun was buttered and greasy, the patty was pretty juicy and over all everything came together pretty well on this burger. As good as it was, it was just that, good. Nothing jumped out too big about this burger. It is big. The onion rings were pretty darn scrumptious. Thin and seasoned so well, those onion rings at times out shined the burger. Fries were also a shining point of the meal. I couldn’t resist the shake and i don’t know if i ever will be able to because it was so darn good. Creamy, thick and picturesque, i’m ready for the summer with a shake like that.

Babe’s is a good stop for burger lovers. It’s got a sports/college atmosphere and the prices are pretty good, especially if you hit some of those lunch specials. I’m givin it a 7. Although not high on the list of eateries to return to I definitely suggest you EAT IT.

Babe’s Old Fashioned Food
4535 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX
78201
210-732-6666

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I am going to introduce you, if you aren’t already familiar, with San Antonio burger royalty. Chris Madrid’s. This is a San Antonio right of passage. In this institution you won’t find a health loving, better-life burger that will leave you ready to embrace a healthy green future. What you will find is a burger that does not apologize for anything that burgers exist for. Cheese. Meat. Butter-toasted buns. Circumference. Grease. Good God the grease!

Yes, Chris Madrids was omitted from Texas Monthly’s 50 Best Burgers in Texas. Yeah, it somewhat goes against my “just right burger-size,” what am i talking about, Chris Madrids obliterates that. But what you need to understand is that there is something entirely magical about what the cheese is doing. It’s beyond sex, it is cheese globs sblobbing and drobbling all over your sweet little face. If you even make it half way through this beast, you can consider your burger-innocence completely and thoroughly BURGERED. And even if you ever do stop making out with the cheese ( i never did), there’s a patty there that never went understated. Made on a grill that has seen its share of San Antonio times, that patty wants you to want it. This place is a staple, a must, a always come back, a best memory for sure.

Originally opened as a burger and taco establishment by a University of Texas Marketing graduate in 1977, the tacos were soon phased out by the awesomeness of the burgers. The menu is pretty simple with six headlining burgers that come in two sizes: regular and MACHO. A beastly chicken sandwich, chalupas, nachos and fries round up the menu with a very inviting bar located on the other side of the restaurant.

I went for the regular Cheddar Cheesy minus the onions. While other members of the burger team pledged an undying loyalty to the Tostada Burger. As you can see, eating this burger isn’t a clean event. I was privy to witness my burger comrades eating the Tostada Burger two different ways. The successful method being an approach that treats the burger as a pizza, or perhaps that famous Latin cuisine: Tostada. Kyle Pippin, in a moment of Tostada burger completion ecstasy stated the event was definitely “Intercourse inducing” (weirdly true). While the fries are subpar, I’ve had encounters with the nachos that are other wordly.

There’s always a line. You might always have to have half your party scouting for a table while the other half waits in line and orders. There’s an atmosphere that tells you you’re eating somewhere that means something to San Antonians. And it does. The burgers do. A section on the Chris Madrid’s site allows for personal stories. There you’ll find 98 stories of testament to the institution. You need to go eat at Chris Madrids. EAT IT- because it’s a 9. Eat it ’cause your arteries want it.

Chris Madrid’s Nachos and Burgers
1900 Blanco Rd
San Antonio, TX 78212

thedeathkid Cheeseburger, San Antonio, Texas 9.0, Cheeseburger, chris madrids, eat it, fries, refried beans, San Antonio, tostada

Greetings burgermeisters! Let’s address the counter culture revolution, an American symbol of the working man, of coffee and pie, of darn good food being made on a time-seasoned grill.  My Austin burger review comes from a cafe that now inhabits one of Austin’s former legendary diners, now simply named, Counter Cafe. And trust me, it’s just that, a counter and a few tables, this tiny place open daily from 8am-4pm embodies the hole-in-the-wall-dive-joint entirely.  However tiny, patrons definitely don’t mind a wait to try some of the home diner style menu with a very refreshing gourmet twist. This place was brought to my attention by UT student by day, Lauren Miller, and her Aggie boyfriend, Sergio Guerrero, who highly recommended the burger and suggested staying away from the extra $3 bacon.

Counter Cafe, right off of Lamar and Sixth (across from Book People), is easy to miss.  But the tiny atmosphere creates an interesting warm feel, sometimes double sitting tables for need of the room (thanks to Austin and Texas hospitality, this wasn’t very awkward). Fast-moving and turning tables very quickly the diner definitely gives you an idea of the quick counter culture of Americana. In most restaurants the condiments are kept down to the standard mustard, ketchup, salt, pepper, and napkins always positioned in a clean and organized manner when turning tables.  Counter Cafe moves too fast to worry about these details and while the tables are clean, the array of sirracha, mayo, mustard, coarse sea salt, and ground pepper are all splayed about and ready to be used.

Not thinking twice about it I ordered the burger, sans bacon. My comrade however, a definite sucker for bacon in all its glory, went straight for the nitrate-free three dollar bacon. Ingredients are all natural, organic, and locally sourced when available.  You can order a wheat or white bun, sweet potato fries, cup of soup, seasonal fruit cup, or house salad.  I opted for a wheat bun and sweet potato fries, which Lauren highly recommended. I’ll tell you, as tiny as the place is and as gourmet as some of the other menu items are, they sure now how to make a simple, delicious burger.  I was amazed at how well it was cooked, the buttered and toasted bun, the fresh ingredients, and the interesting choice of bibb lettuce.  Pulling the ketchup and mayo from the condiment array and splattering them on the burger made it amazing.  The sweet potato fries had a perfect balance, not too sweet and seasoned with sea salt.  I devoured this baby whole, forced myself to go on to that one last delectable bite.  The Austin burger scene can be proud to add this to repertoire.  Although there was a bit of wait for the burger, you can see there are only two cooks in the kitchen with little more than elbow room. You can also openly see the care put into the food in as quick a manner as possible.

The reviews for this place in Texas Monthly’s issue of the 50 best burgers in Texas, Yelp, and the Austin Chronicle praise this little cafe. Going to give this swell joint an 8.5 and insist that you shove it in your mouth and EAT IT.

The Counter Cafe
626 N Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 708-8800
Hours: 8AM – 4PM Daily

thedeathkid Austin, Cheeseburger, Texas Austin, bacon, cheese, lettuce, onions, sweet potato fries, Texas, tomato

Gourmet burgers seems almost oxymoronic.  Do i have to put a tie on for this? Is my burger putting on airs? Why is my burger of a better social class than me? My voyage to the Gourmet Burger Grill off of I-10 and Huebner  in San Antonio forced me to face the idea that my burger should be eaten by Tim Gunn and not by a plebeian such as I. However, one look at the appetizer: Fried Macaroni and Cheese Wedges, and I knew I was probably going to be okay.

The array of options, burger artistry, and plethora of ingredients definitely help you realize what burger ball-game you’re in.  They also make you double-take the prices and realize these special ingredients are worth more than your dollar menu burger. Honestly though, Gourmet Burger Grill creates an atmosphere in which guests can be ready to truly enjoy their burger any which way they choose.  Beverage choices include a line-up of some pretty fine beers and some pretty ritzy wines as well as a self-serve soda fountain and tea.

While i did wander in on a pretty easy lull on a Saturday the staff took this as an opportunity to shine! Every member was more than ready to assist us and Chef Mike Davis was on site helping us with a pride that was exciting to see in the man behind my burger.

A quick note before the burger: I was impressed with the the macaroni wedges. Love. Love. Love. Dip em in ketchup, or ranch, or honeymustard, or don’t. Just definitely give em a try if you’re feeling extra chubby! Also the crinkle cut fries were a pretty spectacular tasty and they also offer the healthier and sweeter option of sweet potato fries.

I decided on the Caprese Burger, coincidentally, the same burger as The San Antonio Burger Blogger.  However, our point of view is at odds. I can see how the simplicity of the burger, the somewhat delicateness of the olive oil, fresh basil, and thickly cut and amazingly fresh tomato are an asset.  Simple enough composition to completely compliment the amazing quality of the patty, composed of Certified Angus Beef and fire grilled. Chef Davis did inform us that when ordering at the Gourmet Burger Grill, a well done patty will often lose it’s juices, making devourers miss the quality and care in the meat. I had a medium well that was cooked to perfection, juicy and seasoned so well I definitely felt the passion put towards this creation. However, the burger selection I chose, Caprese, was a little too bland for my taste.  The cheese, tomatoes, and basil were fresh and spectacular, but I expect a burger to have a little more attitude.  This burger was a little too uptown new yorker sipping on a cape cod and not enough spizzazz! Other menu items definitely bent the burger norms such as a Crab Cake Burger and an Ahi Tuna Burger. However I must say, my choice, perhaps wrong for myself, left me wishing I had ordered one of those delicious fellows.

I do recommend you give it a try if you have the bank. I trust and believe in what Chef Davis is doing. While I can’t wait to return, I definitely have to give the Caprese burger a slightly boring 6.5. With that said Eat It when you feel fancy.

Gourmet Burger Grill
11224 Huebner Rd Suite 206
San Antonio, TX 78230
Phone: 210 558 9200 Fax: 210 558 9203
Hours: Sun-Thurs. 11-9 Fri-Sat 11-10

thedeathkid Cheeseburger, San Antonio, Texas Add new tag, caprese burger, Cheeseburger, gourmet, macaroni, tomato

This week’s burger establishment takes it name perhaps from that inarticulate sentence that rumbles out of my mouth in the most desperate and dire of burger times: Crave Burger. A sentence that beat out “Me want food,” Crave Burger is up on the podium for burger scrutiny, or love.

Located in San Antonio, Tx off of 410, Urbanspoon voters give it an average rating of an impressive 89% while Yelp reviews have Crave Burger carrying 5 delicious stars.  The reviews left me wondering what the star to jalapeño ratio was and whether I had enough thumbs to review this hit burgerium. From the parking lot the smell of a grill at work gets patrons mouths salivating. Practically running through the door, I  met with a well sized restaurant that uses the space wisely to sit a plentiful amount of guests.  The kitchen area, grill etc are all placed directly behind the counter putting guests at ease, and placing that mouthwatering aroma all around.  Big Red on tap, three different buns, that sexy fried egg option, Crave Burger definitely wants patrons to create a unique burger for their unique palettes.

My burger of choice was the island burger: grilled pineapple, bacon, lettuce, tomato on top of a fresh all beef patty. It said aloha in all the right ways.  Placed between the wheat bun option, my burger walked that sweet burger line. This burger was a gut buster i never wanted to stop masticating. Thick cut bacon on top of a juicy patty and a sweet thick cut pineapple created an ensemble that definitely put me in a tropical mind set. Unfortunately, the tater tots left a little something to be desired, seasoned salt perhaps, some seasoning at least, but the fries were your standard issue tasty.

The staff was amazingly nice and assisted with all my burger queries. Football on the flat screens and what seemed to be a pretty cool kids ipod hooked up to the stereo the atmosphere made my burger experience pretty swell.  Over all I give Crave Burger a fine 7.5. I will be back to try the tempting Chalupa Burger and I recommend you EAT IT.

Crave Burger
4263 NW Loop 410, Ste 100
San Antonio, TX 78229
(210) 592-1539

thedeathkid Cheeseburger, San Antonio, Texas 7.5, bacon, Cheeseburger, lettuce, pineapple, San Antonio, Texas, tomato

Hola Burgeroids!

It’s the season to give and one of the best burger chains in Texas, Whataburger, is doing just that. Twelve Days of Whataburger, sponsored by the always delicious Dr. Pepper, gives coupons for free food throughout the Christmas season. So far I’ve gotten a taquito (yum), and a pumpkin fried pie, and forgot to go to Whataburger to pick up a nice 20 oz Dr.Pepper on the house. With four days gone I recommend everyone hurry and sign up for the delicious free tasties that’ll warm even a scrooge’s heart.
The promotion was originally for the 2007 Christmas season until coupons were leaked through that sneaky internet. However, alas, in 2009 they have made it out to the public so let’s enjoy!
while you’re there make sure to try the A1 Thick & Hearty Burger which is going to retire FOREVER after December 21st. this burger is not only incredibly delicious but it’s two patties of meat, bacon, onions, cheese, and A1 steak sauce which makes it even more incredibly Texas. The fact that it’s going to disappear breaks my heart. I’ve contacted the support hotline at least twice this week to plea for reconsideration on behalf of Whataburger and the powers that be. It was one of my dad’s favorites, and that man knew a thing or two about the ways of food.

So go my burger comrades! Eat it before it’s too late! Whataburger’s a 24 hr establishment for your convenience.

HERE’S THE LINK: C L I N K ! ! !

thedeathkid Cheeseburger, Texas 24 hours joint, bacon, barbecue sauce, Christmas, double, fast food, special sauce, whataburger